Transformer pad with cable protective sleeve

Abstract

A pad for supporting a transformer upon the earth's surface having an improved safety feature, the pad being formed of rigid material configured to rest upon the earth's surface and support a transformer and transformer housing on the upper surface thereof, the pad having a cable opening communicating between the top and bottom surfaces, and a hollow sleeve of rigid material, the sleeve being received in the pad cable opening and arranged such that the upper end of the sleeve extends above the pad top surface, the sleeve preventing objects inserted between the housing and the pad from engaging cables passing through the cable opening.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A means for supporting a transformer upon the earth's surface comprising: a pad of rigid material having an upper and lower surface, the lower surface adapted to engage the earth's surface and the upper surface adapted to receive and support a transformer thereon, the pad having a cable opening therein communicating between the lower and upper surfaces; and   a hollow sleeve of rigid material of short height, having an upper and lower end and an outer and inner surface, the outer surface being non-cylindrical and configured to provide an interference fit with said pad cable opening, the sleeve being removably received and supported by said pad in said cable opening and dimensioned such that the upper end extends above the upper surface of said pad, the interior of the sleeve being dimensioned to receive cables therethrough.   
     
     
       2. A means for supporting a transformer upon the earth's surface according to claim 1 wherein the outer surface of said sleeve is tapered from the upper end towards the lower end, the external dimensions of the upper end being greater than the dimensions of said cable opening in said pad whereby said sleeve may be wedged into said pad cable opening and the upper end extends above said pad upper surface. 
     
     
       3. A means for supporting a transformer upon the earth's surface according to claim 1 wherein said sleeve includes integral reinforcing means at the upper end and lower end. 
     
     
       4. A means for supporting a transformer upon the earth's surface according to claim 3 wherein said reinforcing means at the upper end is in the form of a generally horizontally outwardly extending integral lip. 
     
     
       5. A means for supporting a transformer upon the earth's surface according to claim 1 wherein said sleeve includes an integral external flange intermediate the upper and lower ends, the flange engaging the upper surface of said pad.